Braun: Teammates offer inspiration

When I came up to the Brewers in May, I understood there was going to be a transitional phase and that I was going to have to make adjustments quickly. I've been successful so far and a lot of it has to do with having so many great players around me.

We have a lot of young talent on this team, and it's helped to be surrounded by guys who have been through what I'm going through in the past few years. We have Prince Fielder, Rickie Weeks, J.J. Hardy, Corey Hart and some other young guys. It wasn't so long ago that they went through the adjustment period I'm going through now. So I can ask them questions. The more comfortable you are, the most consistent and successful you're able to be.

Our infield is made up of players drafted by the Brewers. When I got drafted in 2005 out of Miami, I had heard nothing but positive things about the organization. So to get an opportunity to be here and be part of this team is extremely special. The way the organization handles everything and goes about its business is really encouraging for a young player like myself.

Our club's success starts with drafting the right guys. The organization has been making great decisions recently. It's motivating for me to see other young guys who are a little ahead of me having success at an early age. It drives me and makes me believe more in our system.

I'm having a lot of fun right now. Our core guys, especially the young ones, are fun to watch. Prince is so consistent, J.J. is having a phenomenal year, Corey has been hot and Rickie has as much ability as anybody. Then you throw in Tony Gwynn, and he's a great player as well. This is a group you want to be a part of.

Personally, I've tried to change as little as possible in my approach at the plate. There's a reason I've been successful and I feel like as long as I stay within myself and make adjustments quickly, I'll be OK.

Ryan Braun, the fifth overall First-Year Player Draft pick in 2005, is batting .339 with 14 doubles, 14 home runs and 38 RBIs through 46 games with the Brewers this season. He has an OPS of 1.059.

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